Five nights of road closures are being planned for a section of State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range, starting on February 22.

The overnight closures are from 8pm to 3.30am each night and are expected to end early on the morning of Friday February 27.

The state highway will be fully closed to all through traffic (including residents) at Ruahihi Bluffs for a period on Sunday February 22.

NZTA said timings would be communicated to residents closer to the closure.

The closures were required to continue urgent remedial work on the Ruahihi Bluffs, near the Ruahihi Power Station, and undertake key maintenance work at other sites along the corridor, NZTA said.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Bay of Plenty system manager Sandra King said scaling work was carried out on the bluffs in late 2025 where it was identified that further critical works would be required.

“The next phase involves removing a large rock from the top of the bluffs, along with strengthening and reinforcement work. The operation will involve a helicopter, crane and abseilers.

“Due to the risks involved, a full overnight road closure is necessary to ensure everyone’s safety. It also helps us to complete the work much quicker - benefiting both road worker crews and road users.”

King said the work has been timed to coincide with other maintenance works along the corridor requiring road closure.

This included asphalt pavement works, localised drainage works, road marking and surface repairs at numerous sites along the state highway.

“We occasionally close SH29 for essential works such as these and work closely with freight operators and roading contractors to coordinate the best possible schedule for these closures.

“While disruptive in the short term, everyone will enjoy the benefits of having a more reliable and safer route over the Kaimai Range.”

Motorists are advised that detours are significant and will add considerable time to journeys.

Alternative routes

North: SH2 via Karangahake Gorge, SH24, SH27, SH26

South: all vehicles: SH5, SH30, SH33, SH2 via Rotorua

South: light vehicles: SH5, SH36 via Rotorua

The closure points on the western (Waikato) side are at the SH29/SH24 and SH29/SH28 intersections and on the eastern (BOP) side at the SH29/Redwood/Kaweroa Drive Roundabout.

NZTA said emergency services would have prioritised access at all times and residents would still be able to access their properties from the relevant side of the closure but should expect delays.

After the five-night closure, crews would remain onsite at the Ruahihi Bluffs for about eight weeks, with night-time stop/go traffic management in place as the stabilisation work continues.

The summer maintenance programme continues until May 2026. A number of road sites are being rebuilt or resurfaced to ensure the route remains safe, reliable, and fit for purpose for all road users.